Matt, Luke and now REED have each had their own story in the Malloys of Montana series by R.C. Ryan. With each installment in this fantastic series R.C. Ryan has raised the stakes. Matt was her introduction to the Malloy family and I have been fortunate to read and review each and every step in this family's history, love, devotion, and drama. And yes there has been an undercurrent of drama in the background since Matt's story. Now with REED R.C. Ryan has finally decided to reopen that can of worms.

There's something about a guy and his protective instincts. It's like an internal radar that hones in on something that feels wrong. And in this case Reed Malloy's instincts are right on. Ally and her little boy Kyle are decidedly in a very vulnerable position. Packed up, lock, stock and barrel, and moved to a totally new rather foreign place seeking out their only family. But in this case that family, cranky to say the least, uncle isn't exactly welcoming to these new arrivals. And he isn't very subtle.

Ally is going to have to get herself and Kyle settled in the apartment over her new store and lucky for the two of them their new found friend Reed is there to help.

Ally came with a lot of baggage, unfinished business not the least of which is a lie that she built their lives on. Ally was a smart woman but with a mass of insecurities. Being with Reed and his amazing family -- the Malloys are definitely a force to reckon with, Ally realizes what a real family is. Her only living relative being her uncle Archer who isn't too anxious to form any family bonds.

So where Ally is trying to establish herself in this small town it would appear that there is some obstacle thrown in her path at every opportunity. Surely her luck has got to change but for that to happen Ally has got to believe she is worthy. Tall order, but remember she now has the Malloys on her side.

Reed is totally aware of the internal battle Ally is forging but this is one attraction that has taken over the reins in his life. Finding a way to divide his time between his ranch responsibilities and determining just what he wants with a relationship with Ally is a challenge. But Reed is up for that. In fact the more time he is away from Ally the more he realizes just how much a part of his life she and Kyle have become. Not something Reed was looking for. But as the Great One would say, love doesn't necessarily come when it's convenient.

Well, with regret it would seem that R.C. Ryan is ending her Malloys of Montana series with REED. Each book in this series became my favorite and so I had high expectations for REED. Never underestimate the power and talent of R.C. Ryan. Nobody could pack so much power in what is advertised as a western romance. REED as well as the entire series has been so much more. Even the description of the surrounding landscape is a breathtaking piece of art that makes you feel as if you are right there in those mountains and vast grasslands that set the stage for a heartwarming look at a very eclectic family and their dearest friends. Once you meet them you will never forget them.

Book Summary

A new beginning . . .

A fresh start. That's exactly what Ally Shaw needs and what she's found in Glacier Ridge, Montana. Creating a simpler life with her young son and reconnecting with her only remaining family-it's all part of Ally's plan to chase away the pain of her past. But when a dangerously irresistible cowboy rescues her little boy, Ally can't deny she's excited about what else the future might bring.

Reed Malloy was a wild horse who wouldn't be broken. Devoted to his work on the land at the expense of everything else, he'd never met a woman who could hold his interest . . . until Ally. And now, beautiful Ally and her fearless, freckled child have this cowboy wanting more. This isn't Ally's first time at the rodeo, though, and convincing her to trust him isn't easy. But there isn't anything he won't do to keep her safe . . . and make her his.